What Happened to the Children from ‘Nanny and the Professor,’ One of Whom Tragically Died?

When “Nanny and the Professor” started airing in 1970, it became a beloved family sitcom. Juliet Mills, who played Nanny Phoebe Figalilly, brought charm and warmth to the screen alongside the young actors who starred as the Everett children — David Doremus, Trent Lehman, and Kim Richards.

While the show may have seemed like a perfect stepping stone for its young stars, their lives off-screen took vastly different directions — some found happiness away from the spotlight, while others faced personal struggles. Doremus was one of those whose life followed a quieter trajectory yet still kept a connection to his early career.

David Doremus: A Child Star with Other Aspirations

David Doremus, who portrayed Hal Everett Jr., the eldest of the three Everett children, was just seven years old when he entered television acting. Like many child actors, his interest in performing came early, sparked by watching other kids on TV and telling his mother, “Mom, can I be on that?”

His family supported his passion, and he soon found himself on the “Nanny and the Professor” set, capturing hearts with his portrayal of the brainy and responsible older brother. Though acting gave him early fame, Doremus had other ambitions. Even as a young boy, he had his sights set on a very different career.

He wanted to become a dentist and began saving his earnings from the show to attend the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. After “Nanny and the Professor,” Doremus appeared in a few other roles, including a part in “The Waltons,” where fans continued to recognize him.

Though he made occasional public appearances, such as attending fan events for “The Waltons,” his career in Hollywood largely faded into the background as he focused on building a life beyond acting. Though Doremus, 66, found fulfillment, one of his other co-stars faced a more difficult path after the cameras stopped rolling.

Trent Lehman: A Life Cut Short

Trent Lehman, who played Bentley “Butch” Everett, the mischievous middle child on the show, had a promising start in Hollywood. Born in 1961, Lehman was just nine years old when he was cast in the role, bringing a sense of fun and liveliness to the Everett household.

In addition to his time on the show, Lehman appeared in other popular shows of the era, such as “Gunsmoke” and “The ABC Saturday Superstar Movie,” further cementing his early success. However, unlike his co-star Doremus, Lehman struggled to transition out of child stardom.

By the time “Nanny and the Professor” ended in 1971, his acting opportunities had largely dried up. Sadly, at just 20 years old, Lehman took his own life. In January 1982, he was found hanging from a schoolyard fence, having told a friend earlier that he was feeling despondent and wanted to end his life.

Lehman’s death shocked those who had worked with him, including Mills, who remembered him fondly as the most dedicated of the young actors on the show. Unfortunately, he wasn’t the only one in the cast to face personal struggles. The youngest Everett sibling would go on to battle her demons in the years that followed.

Kim Richards: From Childhood Stardom to Personal Struggles

Kim Richards, who played Prudence Everett, the youngest of the Everett children, was just six years old when she joined “Nanny and the Professor.” Her role as the sweet and innocent Prudence made her an instant fan favorite, and Richards continued her acting career in the years following the show’s end.

She starred in several Disney films, including “Escape to Witch Mountain,” which cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most popular child stars. But while her early career flourished, Richards struggled as she transitioned into adulthood.

By her mid-twenties, she began battling alcoholism, an addiction that would haunt her for many years. Richards later revealed that she had her first real drink at 24, setting off a period of personal turmoil. Her addiction issues eventually led to an arrest for public intoxication, putting her struggles in the public eye.

On top of her battle with alcohol, Richards also endured significant personal loss. In 1991, her fiancé, John J. Collett, was tragically murdered in a hit job related to a business scheme gone wrong. The devastating loss tore her apart emotionally, and she struggled to recover for a long time.

In later years, she also suffered the death of her ex-husband, Monty Brinson, in 2016. Despite their separation, the two remained close, and Richards mourned his passing deeply, sharing a heartfelt tribute on social media. However, despite the tragedies she faced, Richards eventually found happiness.

Now sober, she enjoys her role as a proud grandmother, having overcome many of the hardships that defined much of her adult life. For Juliet Mills, who played the iconic Nanny, those early years on set remain a source of fond memories, and she continues to reflect warmly on her time with the young cast.

Juliet Mills Reflects on the Show’s Legacy

Mills, the heart of “Nanny and the Professor,” once recalled the series and her time with the young actors with deep affection. Mills noted that working with the children was a joyful experience, though they each had different personalities and levels of dedication. She especially had a soft spot for Lehman, making his tragic passing all the more heartbreaking.

In a 2019 interview, Mills reflected on the difficulties child actors often face. She noted that a solid family foundation is essential to keeping young stars grounded. While she had the stability of her family to support her career, she acknowledged that not every young actor is so fortunate.

The actress emphasized how important it is for child stars not to let fame define them, a lesson her parents instilled in her at an early age. Even decades after the show ended, Mills understands why “Nanny and the Professor” still resonates with audiences.

Though the young stars faced very different life paths, their contributions to the show left an indelible mark. The show continues to hold a special place in the hearts of its fans, cherished for its warmth, humor, and the memories it left behind.